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Midfielder going nowhere in January; Manchester United block exit

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Shrishh Attavar | Last updated Oct 16, 2025 10:50 AM ET

No January exit on the cards for Kobbie Mainoo as Manchester United block move

Manchester United remain resolute in their efforts to prevent Kobbie Mainoo from departing Old Trafford during the January transfer window. The 20-year-old midfielder, a product of the club’s academy, sought an exit in the summer, yet the hierarchy firmly blocked any such move.

That is as per Football Insider. Mainoo navigates a challenging position in Ruben Amorim’s midfield pecking order. Currently, he finds himself behind established figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte, and Casemiro, which has limited his opportunities in the opening months of the 2025-26 campaign.

Mainoo’s emergence last season marked him as a cornerstone of United’s future. His performances at the club level, coupled with his Euro 2024 exploits for England, elevated his profile and drew interest from several Premier League rivals. At Old Trafford, Mainoo offers a blend of defensive diligence and progressive passing that aligns with Amorim’s high-intensity demands. His ability to intercept in congested areas and initiate transitions could prove invaluable as United seek to address their early-season inconsistencies, having conceded 11 goals in seven matches.

From Main Man Mainoo to Side Piece Mainoo

As an academy graduate, his retention not only preserves squad depth but also embodies the philosophy of nurturing homegrown talent. Allowing his departure now, especially amid his frustration with limited minutes, risks squandering a player capable of anchoring the midfield for the next decade.

However, one can only share sympathies with him. If the club find him to be oh so valuable, Amorim has to let him feature more regularly. Either that, or be extremely transparent with the player and personally assist him in finding another club, because Kobbie, everytime he has been on the pitch, has been the best player for United more often than not.

Looking ahead, Amorim’s integration of Mainoo will be pivotal. With Ugarte and Casemiro providing stability, opportunities may arise through rotation or cup competitions, allowing the youngster to regain rhythm. His technical proficiency positions him as a natural successor to the ageing Casemiro.

The club has got to help him, and he’s got to help the club. The window is still quite a few paces away, and Amorim could decide to give the boy his flowers. These few weeks after the international break remain key for every party involved in this Kobbie saga.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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